Why We Are Needed
Nearly 2 million children in the United States experience the detrimental, economical, social and emotional effects of having an incarcerated parent. They may experience the trauma of multiple changes in caregivers, separation from siblings and different living arrangements. They often succumb to depression and drug usage, and statistics indicate that without intervention, 70% of these children perpetuate the cycle of involvement in the criminal justice system. These “silent victims” suffer the consequences of their parent’s poor choices and live daily dealing with rejection, stigma, and additional responsibilities.
While children who lose a parent for reasons other than incarceration will likely receive sympathy and care from others, children of imprisoned parents face tremendous social burdens. Children of Promise, NYC exists to lessen the burdening psychological and emotional effects and provide a positive environment for development and social acceptance.